Definition of "in reality" []

• Used to imply that one would expect the fact to be the opposite of that stated; surprisingly (adverb)

WordNet. Princeton University. 2010.

• "The origin of the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda has been variously accounted for; in reality it is the result of slow evolution."
• "Halaka it was that so "fenced about the Law" as to render it impossible; the other, the Hagada, was illustrative and practical, embracing innumerable legends and allegories intended to illustrate and enlarge Biblical history, but in reality obscuring it in a maze of idle and fanciful inventions."
• "The Code of Young Pioneers, which is posted on our classroom wall, requires good behavior and good grades of all its prospective participants, so technically Dimka is not eligible; but in reality every person in every class gets a red kerchief, and Vera Pavlovna can do nothing to stop Dimka from joining in."